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How Do Apple AirTags Work?

Apple AirTags have steadily gained popularity in the smart tag market. A recent report highlighted that 69% of smart tag buyers in late 2024 chose an Apple AirTag. This marks a significant rise from 45% in early 2022. In contrast, Tile, the category pioneer now owned by Life360, has seen its market share fall to 11% from 17% during the same period. Samsung's Galaxy SmartTags now hold second place.

Interestingly, the technology behind AirTags resembles concepts like Opportunity Driven Multiple Access (ODMA) or Multihop Cellular Networks (MCNs), which I have previously explored. A similar approach has also been discussed regarding Bluetooth-based Ad-Hoc networks.

How Do They Work?

AirTags primarily use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to communicate with nearby Apple devices that are part of the Find My network. This vast network consists of millions of Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs, which can detect AirTags and securely relay their location back to the owner.

Additionally, AirTags utilise Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, available in newer iPhones equipped with a U1 chip, for Precision Finding. This feature enables an iPhone to accurately pinpoint an AirTag's location, showing distance and direction within the Find My app.

When an AirTag is out of Bluetooth range, it relies on nearby Apple devices to detect its Bluetooth signal anonymously and relay its location to iCloud. The AirTag's owner can then view the location within the Find My app. This entire process is encrypted and private, ensuring that neither the person detecting the AirTag nor Apple can access the location data.

For instances where an AirTag is nearby but not immediately visible, the owner can prompt it to play a sound via the Find My app, aiding in its discovery.

Security and Privacy Features

Apple has incorporated several features to prevent unwanted tracking. If an unknown AirTag is detected moving with you over time, your iPhone will notify you, and the AirTag will eventually emit a sound to alert you.

When an AirTag is lost, the owner can activate Lost Mode. If another Apple device detects the AirTag, the owner will receive a notification. Additionally, if someone finds the AirTag, they can tap it with an NFC-enabled smartphone to view a message from the owner, such as contact details, provided the owner has set this information.

All location data is end-to-end encrypted, maintaining user privacy.

AirTags are powered by a replaceable CR2032 coin battery, which typically lasts around one year, ensuring convenience and longevity for users.

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